Surgical tissue sealer

ABSTRACT

A method for manufacturing an end effector assembly is provided. The method includes grasping a gap-setting gauge between first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another about a pivot between a first, spaced-apart position and a second position proximate tissue and setting the first and second jaw members such that in the approximated position the jaw members cooperate to define a gap distance between the jaw members equivalent to the thickness of the gap-setting gauge such that when positioning tissue between the jaw members full approximation of the jaws is limited to the gap distance.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to surgical instruments and, more particularly, to a surgical tissue sealing for grasping, sealing and/or dividing tissue.

TECHNICAL FIELD

A forceps is a pliers-like instrument which relies on mechanical action between its jaws to grasp, clamp and constrict vessels or tissue. Electrosurgical forceps utilize both mechanical clamping action and electrical energy to affect hemostasis by heating tissue and blood vessels to coagulate and/or cauterize tissue. Certain surgical procedures require more than simply cauterizing tissue and rely on the unique combination of clamping pressure, precise electrosurgical energy control and gap distance (i.e., distance between opposing jaw members when closed about tissue) to “seal” tissue, vessels and certain vascular bundles. Typically, once a vessel is sealed, the surgeon has to accurately sever the vessel along the newly formed tissue seal. Accordingly, many vessel sealing instruments have been designed which incorporate a knife or blade member that effectively severs the tissue after forming a tissue seal.

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing an end effector assembly is provided. The method includes grasping a gap-setting gauge between first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another about a pivot between a first, spaced-apart position and a second position proximate tissue and setting the first and second jaw members such that in the approximated position the jaw members cooperate to define a gap distance between the jaw members equivalent to the thickness of the gap-setting gauge such that when positioning tissue between the jaw members full approximation of the jaws is limited to the gap distance.

According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a method for manufacturing an end effect assembly is provided. The method includes grasping a gap-setting gauge between first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another about a pivot between a first, spaced-apart position and a second position proximate tissue, inserting an adjustable stop member into at least one of the first and second jaw members, setting the first and second jaw members such that in the approximated position the jaw members cooperate to define a gap distance between the jaw members equivalent to the thickness of the gap-setting gauge, and securing the adjustable stop member to the at least one of the first and second jaw members such that when positioning tissue between the jaw members full approximation of the jaws is limited to the gap distance.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to the drawings wherein:

FIG. 1 is a front, perspective view of an endoscopic surgical instrument configured for use in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front, perspective view of an open surgical instrument configured for use in accordance with the present disclosure;

FIG. 3 is an enlarged, front, cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an end effector assembly configured for use with the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 or 2;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged, side, cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an end effector assembly configured for use with the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 or 2.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, side, cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an end effector assembly configured for use with the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 or 2;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged, side, cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an end effector assembly configured for use with the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 or 2;

FIG. 7A is an enlarged, side, cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an end effector assembly configured for use with the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 or 2;

FIG. 7B is an enlarged view of the area of detail 7B of the end effector of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 7C is an enlarged view of the area of detail 7B of another embodiment of the end effector of FIG. 7A; and

FIG. 8 is an enlarged, side, cross-sectional view of one embodiment of an end effector assembly configured for use with the surgical instrument of FIG. 1 or 2.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to the drawing figures wherein like reference numerals identify similar or identical elements. As used herein, the term “distal” refers to the portion that is being described which is further from a user, while the term “proximal” refers to the portion that is being described which is closer to a user.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, FIG. 1 depicts a forceps 10 for use in connection with endoscopic surgical procedures and FIG. 2 depicts an open forceps 10′ contemplated for use in connection with traditional open surgical procedures. For the purposes herein, either an endoscopic instrument, e.g., forceps 10, or an open instrument, e.g., forceps 10′, may be utilized in accordance with the present disclosure. Obviously, different electrical and mechanical connections and considerations apply to each particular type of instrument; however, the novel aspects with respect to the end effector assembly and its operating characteristics remain generally consistent with respect to both the open and endoscopic configurations.

Turning now to FIG. 1, an endoscopic forceps 10 is provided defining a longitudinal axis “X-X” and including a housing 20, a handle assembly 30, a rotating assembly 70, a trigger assembly 80 and an end effector assembly 100. Forceps 10 further includes a shaft 12 having a distal end 14 configured to mechanically engage end effector assembly 100 and a proximal end 16 that mechanically engages housing 20. Forceps 10 also includes electrosurgical cable 610 that connects forceps 10 to a generator (not shown) or other suitable power source, although forceps 10 may alternatively be configured as a battery powered instrument. Cable 610 includes a wire (or wires) (not shown) extending therethrough that has sufficient length to extend through shaft 12 in order to provide electrical energy to at least one of the jaw members 110 and 120 of end effector assembly 100.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, handle assembly 30 includes fixed handle 50 and a moveable handle 40. Fixed handle 50 is integrally associated with housing 20 and handle 40 is moveable relative to fixed handle 50. Rotating assembly 70 is rotatable in either direction about a longitudinal axis “X-X” to rotate end effector 100 about longitudinal axis “X-X.” Housing 20 houses the internal working components of forceps 10.

End effector assembly 100 is shown attached at a distal end 14 of shaft 12 and includes a pair of opposing jaw members 110 and 120. Each of jaw members 110 and 120 includes an opposed electrically conductive tissue sealing surface 112, 122, respectively. End effector assembly 100 is designed as a unilateral assembly, i.e., where jaw member 120 is fixed relative to shaft 12 and jaw member 110 is moveable about pivot 103 relative to shaft 12 and fixed jaw member 120. However, end effector assembly 100 may alternatively be configured as a bilateral assembly, i.e., where both jaw member 110 and jaw member 120 are moveable about a pivot 103 relative to one another and to shaft 12. In some embodiments, a knife assembly (not shown) is disposed within shaft 12 and a knife channel (not shown) is defined within one or both jaw members 110, 120 to permit reciprocation of a knife blade (not shown) therethrough, e.g., via activation of trigger 82 of trigger assembly 80. The particular features of end effector assembly 100 will be described in greater detail hereinbelow.

Continuing with reference to FIG. 1, moveable handle 40 of handle assembly 30 is ultimately connected to a drive assembly (not shown) that, together, mechanically cooperate to impart movement of jaw members 110 and 120 between a spaced-apart position and an approximated position to grasp tissue disposed between sealing surfaces 112 and 122 of jaw members 110, 120, respectively. As shown in FIG. 1, moveable handle 40 is initially spaced-apart from fixed handle 50 and, correspondingly, jaw members 110, 120 are in the spaced-apart position. Moveable handle 40 is depressible from this initial position to a depressed position corresponding to the approximated position of jaw members 110, 120.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an open forceps 10′ is shown including two elongated shafts 12 a and 12 b, each having a proximal end 16 a and 16 b, and a distal end 14 a and 14 b, respectively. Similar to forceps 10 (FIG. 1), forceps 10′ is configured for use with end effector assembly 100. More specifically, end effector assembly 100 is attached to distal ends 14 a and 14 b of shafts 12 a and 12 b, respectively. As mentioned above, end effector assembly 100 includes a pair of opposing jaw members 110 and 120 that are pivotably connected about a pivot 103. Each shaft 12 a and 12 b includes a handle 17 a and 17 b disposed at the proximal end 16 a and 16 b thereof. Each handle 17 a and 17 b defines a finger hole 18 a and 18 b therethrough for receiving a finger of the user. As can be appreciated, finger holes 18 a and 18 b facilitate movement of the shafts 12 a and 12 b relative to one another that, in turn, pivots jaw members 110 and 120 from an open position, wherein the jaw members 110 and 120 are disposed in spaced-apart relation relative to one another, to a closed position, wherein the jaw members 110 and 120 cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween.

A ratchet 30′ may be included for selectively locking the jaw members 110 and 120 relative to one another at various positions during pivoting. It is envisioned that the ratchet 30′ may include graduations or other visual markings that enable the user to easily and quickly ascertain and control the amount of closure force desired between the jaw members 110 and 120.

With continued reference to FIG. 2, one of the shafts, e.g., shaft 12 b, includes a proximal shaft connector 19 which is designed to connect the forceps 10′ to a source of electrosurgical energy such as an electrosurgical generator (not shown). Proximal shaft connector 19 secures an electrosurgical cable 610′ to forceps 10′ such that the user may selectively apply electrosurgical energy to the electrically conductive sealing surfaces 112 and 122 (FIG. 1) of jaw members 110 and 120, respectively, as needed.

Forceps 10′ may further include a knife assembly (not shown) disposed within either of shafts 12 a, 12 b and a knife channel (not shown) defined within one or both jaw members 110, 120 to permit reciprocation of a knife blade (not shown) therethrough.

Turning now to FIG. 3, end effector assembly 100, including jaw members 110 and 120 is configured for use with either instrument 10 or instrument 10′, discussed above, or any other suitable surgical instrument. However, for purposes of simplicity and consistency, end effector assembly 100 will be described hereinbelow with reference to instrument 10 only.

Tissue sealing procedures involve more than simply cauterizing tissue. In order to effect a proper seal in vessels or tissue, it has been determined that a variety of mechanical and electrical parameters should be accurately controlled: the pressure applied to the tissue; the gap distance between the electrodes (e.g., distance between opposing jaw members when closed about tissue); and amount of energy applied to tissue. In embodiments, the present disclosure provides for jaw members 110 and 120 that when fully approximated define a gap distance “G” from about 0.001 inches to about 0.006 inches as well as method for manufacturing the same. However, other gap distances are also contemplated by the present disclosure.

As shown in FIG. 3, each of the jaw members 110 and 120 includes a jaw housing 111 and 121, respectively. The sealing surfaces 112 and 122 are coupled to the housings 111 and 121 by overmolding or filling the housing 111 and 121 with a suitable material 115 and 125 that may assist in securing the sealing surfaces 112 and 122 thereto. The material 115 and 125 may be any suitable dielectric or insulating material that may be heat-staked through the housing 111 and 121 as described in further detail below. The housings 111 and 121 include one or more openings 113 a and 113 b and 123 a and 123 b, respectively, which are defined therein and are configured to received a material 115 and 125 therethrough for securing the materials 115 and 125 to the housing 111 and 121, respectively, as described in more detail below.

This configuration in combinations with any of the embodiments disclosed below in FIGS. 5-8 may also be used to set a desired gap distance “G.” During assembly of the jaw members 110 and 120, the jaw members 110 and 120 grasp a gap-setting gauge 116 that provides for a desired gap distance “G.” The material 115 and 125 is then heat staked on both sides of the housings 111 and 121, ultrasonically welded or otherwise secured through the openings 113 a, 113 b, 123 a, 123 b as the jaw members 110 and 120 grasp the gap-setting gauge 116 to permanently set the sealing surfaces 112 and 122 within the jaw members 110 and 120, respectively. The material 115 and 125 maintains gaps 127 a and 127 b within the housings 111 and 121, respectively. The gaps 127 a and 127 b allow for movement of the material 115 and 125 as well as the sealing surfaces 112 and 122 during the setting process to set the desired gap distance “G.”

The jaw members 110 and 120 may be pivotally secured via a pin 117. Once jaw members 110 and 120 are disposed over the gap gauge 116, the pin 117 may be welded, flared, riveted, or otherwise secured to secure the jaw members 110 and 120.

FIG. 4 shows an embodiment of setting the sealing surfaces 112 and 122 within the jaw members 110 and 120. The sealing surfaces 112 and 122 are coupled to the housings 111 and 121 by an adhesive material 236. The material 236 may be any liquid or amorphous material similar to the material 136 described above.

During assembly of the jaw members 110 and 120, the material 236 is deposited (e.g., injected) into the housings 111 and 121 and the jaw members 110 and 120 grasp the gap-setting gauge 116. The jaw members 110 and 120 are then fully approximated (e.g., handle 40 is fully squeezed and locked into handle assembly 30). The material 236 is allowed to cure and the jaw members 110 and 120 are now configured to provide a desired gap distance “G” therebetween. As the jaw members 110 and 120 grasp the gap-setting gauge 116, the material 236 solidifies to permanently set the sealing surfaces 112 and 122 within the jaw members 110 and 120. This configuration in combinations with any of the embodiments disclosed below in FIGS. 5-8 may also be used to set a desired gap distance “G.”

FIG. 5 shows another embodiment of a stop member configuration setting a gap distance “G” between the jaw members 110 and 120. As shown, the jaw member 110 includes a fixed stop member 130 disposed at a proximal portion 132 (e.g., closer to the pivot pin 117) of the jaw member 110. In some embodiments, the stop member 130 may be disposed on the jaw member 120. The stop member 130 is configured to be inserted into a cavity 134 defined within the jaw member 120. To obtain a desired gap distance “G,” during assembly of the jaw members 110 and 120, the jaw members 110 and 120 grasp the gap-setting gauge 116 that provides for a desired gap distance “G.” A setting material 136 is deposited into the cavity 134 to a sufficient level such that once the material 136 is solidified, it prevents approximation of the jaw members 110 and 120 beyond the gap distance “G.” Once the material 136 has solidified, the jaw members 110 and 120 are permanently set to the desired gap distance “G” when in closed configuration as the travel distance for the stop member 130 is limited by the solidified material 136 (e.g., the jaw members 110 and 120 are able to freely rotate but bottom out at the appropriate gap distance “G” when the jaw member 110 comes in contact with the stop member 130).

The material 136 may be any liquid or amorphous material that solidifies upon deposition into the cavity 134. In some embodiments, the material 136 may be any material or combination of materials (e.g., epoxy) that may change its phase after deposition, such that the material 136 is initially in a liquid phase and then transitions into a solid phase.

In some embodiments, the material 136 may be a liquid material that may be solidified by one of the following processes which include, but are not limited to, room temperature vulcanization, a thermosetting polymer reaction (e.g., epoxy), curing (e.g., anaerobic or ultra-violet), and combinations thereof. The material 136 may be a polymer, which may include, but not limited to, polyesters, silicones, rubbers, epoxies, nylons, polyphthalamides, liquid crystal polymers, and combinations thereof.

FIG. 6 shows another embodiment of a stop member configuration for setting a gap distance “G” between the jaw members 110 and 120. As shown, the jaw member 120 includes a stop member 230 disposed at a proximal portion 232 (e.g., closer to the pivot pin 117) of the jaw member 120. The stop member 230 may be disposed on the jaw member 110 and is configured to be inserted into an aperture 234 defined in the jaw member 120. To obtain a desired gap distance “G,” during assembly of the jaw members 110 and 120, the jaw members 110 and 120 grasp the gap-setting gauge 116 that provides for a desired gap distance “G” and the stop member 230 is inserted through aperture 234. The stop member 230 is secured within the aperture such that the jaw members 110 and 120 are permanently set to the desired gap distance “G” when in the closed configuration (e.g., the jaw members 110 and 120 are able to freely rotate but bottom out at the appropriate gap distance “G” when the jaw member 110 comes in contact with the stop member 230).

FIGS. 7A-7C shows another embodiment of setting a gap distance “G” between the jaw members 110 and 120. As shown, the jaw member 110 includes an adjustable stop member 330 disposed at a proximal portion 132 (e.g., closer to the pivot pin 117) of the jaw member 110. In some embodiments, the stop member 330 may be disposed on the jaw member 120. The stop member 330 is configured to be inserted into an aperture 334 through the jaw member 120. Each of the stop member 330 and aperture 334 include one or more surface features 332 and 336, respectively. The surface features 332 and 336 are configured to interlockingly engage with each other, such that the stop member 330 may only be inserted into the aperture 334 and is locked therein preventing extraction thereof. The stop member 330 is removably coupled (e.g., via peelable adhesive) to the jaw member 110 allowing the jaw members 110 and 120 to open, retaining the stop member 330 within the jaw member 120. Suitable surface features 332 and 336 include, but are not limited to, barbs, hooks, latches, protrusions, leaves, teeth and/or combinations thereof. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7C, the aperture 334 may have a straight interference fit, without any surface features 336. Thus, the stop member 330 is inserted into the aperture 334 to a desired depth depending on the thickness of the gap-setting gauge 116. Once inserted to a desired depth, the surface features 332 and 336 interlock and set a specific gap “G.”

To obtain a desired gap distance “G,” during assembly of the jaw members 110 and 120, the jaw members 110 and 120 grasp the gap-setting gauge 116 therebetween and pressure is applied to the jaw members 110 and 120 until the surface features 332 and 336 engage each other. If more than one set of surface features 336 are used, the jaw members 110 and 120 may be approximated until a desired gap distance “G” is achieved.

FIG. 8 shows another embodiment of a stop member configuration for setting a gap distance “G” between the jaw members 110 and 120. As shown, the jaw member 120 includes a stop member 430 disposed at a proximal portion 232 (e.g., closer to the pivot pin 117) of the jaw member 120. The stop member 430 may be disposed on the jaw member 120 and is configured to be inserted into an aperture 434 defined in the jaw member 120. The stop member 430 includes a threaded shaft 432 configured to threadably interface with the aperture 434. The stop member 430 may be adjusted to a desired height by rotating the stop member 430 in either clockwise or counterclockwise direction move the stop member 430 into or out of the aperture 434, thereby adjusting the gap distance “G.” To obtain a desired gap distance “G,” during assembly of the jaw members 110 and 120, the jaw members 110 and 120 grasp the gap-setting gauge 116 that provides for a desired gap distance “G” and the stop member 430 is threadably inserted through aperture 434. The stop member 430 is secured within the aperture such that the jaw members 110 and 120 are permanently set to the desired gap distance “G” when in the closed configuration (e.g., the jaw members 110 and 120 are able to freely rotate but bottom out at the appropriate gap distance “G” when the jaw member 110 comes in contact with the stop member 430).

From the foregoing and with reference to the various figure drawings, those skilled in the art will appreciate that certain modifications can also be made to the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the same. While several embodiments of the disclosure have been shown in the drawings, it is not intended that the disclosure be limited thereto, as it is intended that the disclosure be as broad in scope as the art will allow and that the specification be read likewise. Therefore, the above description should not be construed as limiting, but merely as exemplifications of particular embodiments. Those skilled in the art will envision other modifications within the scope and spirit of the claims appended hereto. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A method for manufacturing an end effector assembly, the method comprising: providing first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another about a pivot between a first, spaced-apart position and a second position closer to one another wherein the first and second jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween, each of the first and second jaw members including a jaw housing; grasping a gap-setting gauge between the first and second jaw members; depositing a non-solid material into the jaw housings; and solidifying the non-solid material to secure a first sealing surface and a second sealing surface within the first and second jaw members, respectively, thereby setting the first and second jaw members such that in the second position the jaw members cooperate to define a gap distance between the jaw members equivalent to the thickness of the gap-setting gauge such that, when positioning tissue between the jaw members, full approximation of the jaw members is limited to the gap distance.
 2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising: releasably attaching a stop member to the first jaw member, wherein the second jaw member includes a cavity configured to receive the stop member therein to set the gap distance.
 3. The method according to claim 2, wherein each of the stop member and the cavity includes at least one surface feature each of which is configured to interlockingly engage with each other, thereby securing the stop member within the second jaw member.
 4. The method according to claim 3, further comprising: detaching the stop member from the first jaw member to set the gap distance.
 5. A method for manufacturing an end effector assembly, the method comprising: grasping a gap-setting gauge between first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another about a pivot between a first, spaced-apart position and an approximated position wherein the first and second jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween; inserting an adjustable stop member into at least one of the first and second jaw members; setting the first and second jaw members such that in the approximated position the jaw members cooperate to define a gap distance between the jaw members equivalent to the thickness of the gap-setting gauge; and securing the adjustable stop member to the at least one of the first and second jaw members such that when positioning tissue between the jaw members, full approximation of the jaw members is limited to the gap distance.
 6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the other of the at least one of the first and second jaw members includes a cavity configured to receive the stop member therein.
 7. The method according to claim 6, wherein each of the stop member and the cavity includes at least one surface feature each of which is configured to interlockingly engage with each other.
 8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising: releasably attaching the stop member to the first jaw member; inserting the stop member into the cavity, thereby securing the stop member within the second jaw member; and detaching the stop member from the first jaw member to set the gap distance.
 9. A method for manufacturing an end effector assembly, the method comprising: providing first and second jaw members moveable relative to one another about a pivot between a first, spaced-apart position and a second position closer to one another wherein the first and second jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween; releasably attaching a stop member to the first jaw member, the second jaw member including a cavity configured to receive the stop member therein to set a gap distance, each of the stop member and the cavity including at least one surface feature, each of which being configured to interlockingly engage with each other, thereby securing the stop member within the second jaw member; detaching the stop member from the first jaw member to set the gap distance; grasping a gap-setting gauge between the first and second jaw members; and setting the first and second jaw members such that in the second position the jaw members cooperate to define the gap distance between the jaw members equivalent to the thickness of the gap-setting gauge such that when positioning tissue between the jaw members full approximation of the jaws is limited to the gap distance.
 10. The method according to claim 9, wherein grasping a gap-setting gauge between the first and second jaw members includes positioning the gap-setting gauge between the first and second jaw members. 